Pope Benedict XVI yesterday met and forgave the woman who knocked him over at St Peter's Basilica during Christmas Eve Mass, the Vatican said. Susanna Maiolo, 25, who has a history of psychiatric problems, and her family met in a private audience with the pope, the Vatican spokesman, the Rev Federico Lombardi, said. Maiolo apologised to the pontiff, while Benedict inquired about her health and "wanted to demonstrate his forgiveness". Maiolo had also tried and failed to reach the pope during the 2008 midnight mass service. She has been treated at a clinic since the incident.